Celebrate Your Independents

If you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly way to spend your weekend, we suggest you head over to Shadyside for the inaugural ‘Celebrate Your Independents’ event. No, that’s not a Fourth of July typo. The idea behind this event is to support the many unique locally owned and operated independent businesses in the area. There’s something for everyone June 29th to July 3rd, including live music, art, movies, and food, plus Shop & Dine deals everyday.
Saturday, June 29th is full of fun activities. Beat the dog days of summer with the Dog Gone! Scavenger Hunt from 9am to 1pm. Test your animal knowledge to find clues and treats for your four legged friend, while you explore the neighborhood with your pooch. Tickets are $35/ person in advance, $40 day of, and you can register and purchase your tickets here. After that you can participate in the Sidewalk Chalk Art Contest. There will be amateur, professional and kid divisions to compete in. The cost is $5 for amateurs and $3 for kids to join. Don’t worry if you aren’t an artist, you can still go check out what everyone creates! The competitors will be stationed in one of three areas: on Filbert Street by Mercurio’s Gelato & Pizza, on Ellsworth Avenue at Petagogy, and on Highland Avenue by Gallery 4. Saturday night ends with the first Jam on Walnut of the summer. This annual concert series raises money and awareness for Cystic Fibrosis, and features live music by Dancing Queen & Kelsey. There will be beer trucks to get your drink on, so don’t forget your ID. The Jam goes from 7-11PM on Walnut Street.

Sunday, June 30th is all about crafting. Check out one of Pittsburgh’s most popular indie craft fairs, as I Made It! Market takes over Shadyside. There will be 30 vendors selling their handmade wares, from 11AM to 4PM. Vendors will be spread throughout Shadyside, with a presence on Walnut, Ellsworth, and Highland Ave.

On Monday, kick off July with a Charity Burger Cook-Off featuring Shadyside restaurants. Several local venues will compete to find out who has the best burger in Shadyside. Tickets are $15 (kids under 12 are just $5). Proceeds will benefit several local charities including East End Cooperative Ministry, Shadyside Boys & Girls Club, POWER, and National Ovarian Cancer Coalition. Tickets are available at Journey’s of Life or at the door day of. Make sure you come hungry!

Tuesday, July 2nd is all about family. Bring the little ones down for Family Fun Night from 6-8PM in the parking lot at South Aiken & Walnut. Enjoy face painting, balloon animals, a water balloon toss, and more! After that settle in for a FREE Outdoor Screening of E.T. in the same lot, starting at 8:30PM. Pittsburgh Taco Truck and Bella Christie’s Sweet Truck will be onsite for concessions.

On July 3rd, be sure to swing by to take advantage of your last chance to stock up for the holiday with Shop & Dine deals. Grab an outfit for the Fourth or pick up some summer reading materials so you’re set for a fun filled Fourth of July!